Prime News Ghana

Politics: Looking back at the biggest headlines of 2023

By Vincent Ashitey
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Ghana’s political landscape was characterized by several events and issues in 2023.

There was a lot of drama in Parliament coupled with tension between various political parties particularly the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

As part of preparations for the 2024 election, both parties elected their flagbearers and parliamentary candidates.

Alan Kyerematen resigns as Trade Minister

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen has resigned from his position.

The sector minister tendered his resignation letter to President  Akufo-Addo on Thursday, January 5, 2023. 

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto resigns as Agric Minister

The Minister for Food and Agriculture Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto has resigned from his position.
The Minister tendered his resignation letter to President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

President Akufo-Addo who accepted the resignation wished him well in all his endeavours.
 

NDC changes leadership in Parliament as Ato Forson replaces Haruna Iddrisu as Minority leader

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has effected changes in its current leadership in Parliament.
In a statement sighted by Prime news, the opposition party has replaced their Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson

Also, Ellembelle MP, Kofi Armah Boah will replace James Klutse Avedzi as Deputy Minority Leader.

In its statement signed by NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey, Kwame Agbodza becomes the Chief Whip for the opposition side and will be deputised by Banda MP, Ahmed Ibrahim and Ada legislator, Comfort Doyo Ghansah respectively.

“The new leadership would be charged to recommend consequential changes in the Ranking membership to Headquarters of the party for approval,” the party statement added.
 

Police hunt for NDC Youth Organizer over ‘kill to win power’ comment

The Police are on a manhunt for a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for inciting violence ahead of the 2024 general elections.

In a viral video, the NDC executive who identifies himself as the Youth Organiser for the party in the Suame Constituency of the Ashanti Region was seen calling on supporters of the NDC to attack persons of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections for them to secure power.

“You cannot go into an elections without any casualties and my advice to my party members as a Youth Organiser of NDC is that we’ve taken our decision with the youth that any NPP member who’ll misbehave this time around should be beaten.

“They should be beaten because it is the surest way which the party can survive in the constituency. If eight people should die before Akufo-Addo becomes a President then there’s nothing wrong we killing two in Suame for John Mahama to also become President.

“My advice to my fellow youth of NDC is for them to arm themselves and not to attack NDC members but NPP members and if it will take assaulting someone with stick for the party to wrest power just do it. If it will take shooting someone for NDC to win power just go ahead and shoot the person because Akufo-Addo has shown us how to do it and that’s what I was teaching the youth to do.

We’re ever ready to do it because our new national executives elected are urging us to do that.

Akufo-Addo appoints KT Hammond as Trade Minister; Bryan Acheampong as Agric Minister

President Akufo-Addo has appointed Member of Parliament for Adansi-Asokwa, Kobina Tahiru Hammond as Minister of Trade and Industry to replace Alan Kyerematen, who resigned recently to vie for the flagbearer slot of the New Patriotic Party.
The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who announced the changes in Parliament said the President also appointed Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi, as Minister of Food and Agriculture to replace Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who also resigned to pursue his presidential ambition.

Former Information Minister and Director-General of SIGA, Stephen Asamoah Boateng has been nominated for the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry following the resignation of Ebenezer Kojo Kum.

Furthermore, the President named Dr Mohammed Amin Adam as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, a replacement for Charles Adu Boahen, who was sacked following an exposé in which he was caught on video allegedly negotiating and taking a bribe for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

Additionally, the president has named Osei Bonsu Amoah, the MP for Akuapem South, as Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krampah is to replace Dr Mohammed Amin Adam while Dr Stephen Amoah, MP for Nhyiaeso, has been penciled for the position of Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.

 

Don’t approve Akufo-Addo’s new ministerial nominees – NDC tells Minority

The NDC has directed its caucus in parliament not to approve any of the new ministerial appointments made by President Akufo-Addo.

The NDC said it has long expressed concern over the very large size of the current government and shares the views that it must be reduced bearing in mind “the current massive economic mess, the country has been plunged into by the Akufo-Addo/ Bawumia government.”

Despite numerous appeals, the main opposition party said in a statement on Sunday, February 19 signed by General Secretary Foifi Kwetey that, President Akufo Addo has “quite characteristically, remained adamant and tone deaf.

“The leadership of the NDC, has, against this backdrop, directed the Minority caucus in Parliament NOT to approve any of the new ministerial nominees and to further push for a reduction in the size of government with a view to reducing the needless drain on scarce public resources.

“In this moment of haircuts, the most important thing the government can do is to do a “governmental haircut”. Our directive to the minority in parliament, we believe strongly aligns with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians. Enough is enough.”
 

'Coups are not solutions to Africa's problems' - Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo has urged the international community to send a clear message to coup plotters that coups have never been, and will never be durable solutions to Africa’s political, economic and security challenges.

According to Akufo-Addo, “Statements condemning coups alone without corresponding action will, however, achieve little or nothing, as witnessed in recent times. This problem requires collective agreement, effective deterrence, bold action and, equally important, adequate preventive measures.”

Delivering the keynote address at a side-event organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, in Munich, Germany, on Friday, 17th February 2024, the President stated that “there are those who still hanker after authoritarian, personal rule, because they claim Africa is underdeveloped and democracy is cumbersome, and we need to get things done in a hurry.”
 

Akufo-Addo reconstitutes Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda is chairman

President Akufo-Addo has reconstituted the Hajj Board and has appointed Alhaji Ben Abdallah Banda as chairman.

The former lawmaker for Offinso South Constituency Ben Abdallah Banda is taking over from former chairman Sheikh I.C Quaye Sheik Ibrahim Cudjoe (I.C.) Quaye.
 

Former Shama MP is dead

A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Shama in the Western Region, Dr Ato Panford, has reportedly passed on.

Until his demise, the 60-year-old former MP in the seventh parliament was the senior Advisor Enterprise Audit – AfCFTA National Coordinating Office.
 

I’ve not endorsed Alan Kyerematen – Ya-Na

The Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II has denied media reports that he had endorsed New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen.

The former Trade Minister called on the King of Dagbon and after the visit, some reports claimed the Ya-Na had told Alan Kyerematen, during the visit that, it was Alan's time to lead the NPP as flagbearer.

Ya-Na Abukari II, has however, issued a disclaimer, stating that he did not say anything along those lines.

I made a mistake buying tractors for farmers - Mahama

Former President John Mahama says he made a mistake buying tractors for farmers during his tenure as President.

“I realised some of the things that we did, we made mistakes", Mr Mahama admitted in Munich, Germany, where he is attending the 59th Munich Security Conference 2023.

"We imported tractors and agricultural equipment and we gave [them] to farmers".

"The farmer does not need the tractor, he does not need the agricultural equipment, he needs the services of a tractor,” Mr Mahama explained.

Ghana Card won’t be used for voting in 2024 elections – Jean Mensa

Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa has said that the Ghana Card will not be used to vote in the 2024 general elections.

She said the Commission is seeking to use the card only for the voter registration exercise.

“Mr. Speaker, I wish to emphasise that the Ghana card will not be used to vote in the 2024 elections, the Ghana Card is only a requirement to register as a voter,” she said in Parliament.

“Once you present your Ghana card and successfully register as a voter, you will be issued with a voter’s identification card which bears the code of your region, your district, your electoral area and the name of your polling station, the Ghana card does not have these features and therefore it will not be used to vote in the 2024 general elections,” she indicated.
 

Titus Glover appointed VALCO MD

Former Member of Parliament for Tema West, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover has been nominated for appointment as the Managing Director of the Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO).

I’ll scrap payment of ex-gratia – Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to scrap the payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive should he be re-elected in the 2024 elections.

Speaking at the launch of his campaign which took place in the Cedi Auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, in the Volta Region on Thursday, March 2, Mr. Mahama said he will take the necessary steps to scrap the payment as soon as he assumes power.

“The payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive will be scrapped. The necessary Constitutional steps to take this will start in earnest in 2025. We will also persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal.”

He also promised to restore the trust in state institutions by addressing “issues pertaining to the exercise of powers of the president, proper separation of powers, strengthening of Parliament, restoring the independence of the judiciary, independent and quasi-state institutions and depoliticizing them.

“These will take the centre stage of the new administration,” he added.
 

'Insha Allah' - Mahama vows to investigate killing of 8 in 2020 elections

Aspiring Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has promised to institute investigations into the killing of eight (8) persons during the 2020 elections.

According to the former President, the next NDC administration will investigate and punish all such persons.

He has therefore assured the families of all who lost their lives during the tragic incidents not to despair.

“Insha Allah, when we come into office, we will investigate the killings, bring the perpetrators to face the law and pay the appropriate compensations”, Mahama said this during his campaign in the Techiman North Constituency.

Gold for oil: Bleeding is allowed - Bawumia tells disappointed critics

Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia has aimed a dig at critics saying they are "very disappointed the Gold for oil policy is working."

The government announced plans to use gold to purchase imported oil products. The policy is to allow the government to pay for imported oil products with gold, in a direct barter with gold purchased by the central bank.

The policy is meant to help stabilise prices of fuel products, as well as reduce pressure on Ghana’s foreign exchange, as the direct gold barter will be the mode of paying for imported oil instead of depleting the foreign exchange reserve.

However, some people including the former boss of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Alex Mould have reservations about the scheme describing it as "unnecessary."

Reacting to this development at the commissioning of a new Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) head office in Accra on Wednesday, March 15, Bawumia did not hold back.

“There are people who are very disappointed the policy is working, but bleeding is allowed. We have an impossibility mindest they can keep to it, for us, all things are possible by the grace of God.
 

Mahama launches campaign fundraising platform at UPSA

Aspiring National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, John Mahama, has launched a digital fundraising platform to finance his 2024 campaign.

Speaking at a public lecture on Financing Political Campaigns in the Ghana We Want, President Mahama launched his digitalized retail donation campaign “to mobilize small contributions from Ghanaians, both locally and in the diaspora.”

The platform, the former President noted, is transparent and has a dashboard screen that will show all inflows in real time.

“We are launching this digitalized retail donation campaign tonight to mobilize small contributions from Ghanaians, both locally and in the diaspora. The platform is transparent and has a dashboard screen that will show all inflows in real-time. The dashboard is in turn linked to a collection bank account so that proceeds from all the channels can be received directly and used for the intended purpose,” he stated.
 

Support us to pass revenue bills for IMF bailout - Oppong Nkrumah appeals to Minority

Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has urged colleague members of the Minority caucus to put partisanship aside and support government’s revenue measures.

The Information Minister in a briefing appealed to the Minority in parliament to help pass the outstanding revenue bills to advance Ghana’s $3 billion programme to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board for approval for the country to ease its current economic difficulties.

The bills, which are currently in Parliament, are the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Excise Duty and Excise Tax Stamp (Amendment) Bills as well as the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill.

“To our colleagues in the Minority, I think it is clear that we need to work together to achieve a certain objective for the country.

“Sometimes we are whipped up but let’s look at the country’s interest at this point in time.”

“The world is ready to help us, China, the Paris Club and external creditors are all with us in a good place now and are looking at us to see if we can help ourselves. My appeal to those in government, Minority, economic groups is that, we must ensure that these revenue bills are passed to close this GH¢4 billion gap”, he added.
 

MP for Kumawu, Philip Basoah is dead

The Member of Parliament for Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Philip Atta Basoah has died at aged 54.
 

We're grateful - NPP to 'brave' NDC MPs for putting Ghana first

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) have expressed gratitude to some of the NDC MPs who they described as 'brave' for putting Ghana first.

This comes after some members of the minority side defiled their party's directive and voted 'Yes' to approve the ministerial and justice nominees of President Akufo-Addo.

The leadership of the NPP has thus commended them for thinking about the nation first.
 

Nanton MP involved in accident while on his way to Parliament to vote on 3 revenue bills

In a dramatic turn of events, the Member of Parliament for Nanton, Mohammed Hardi Tuferi, was involved in a car accident on Friday night, just hours before a crucial vote on the government's revenue bills.

Despite the setback, the MP, who belongs to the Majority Caucus, was able to make it to Parliament via ambulance and report to the House leadership before being rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Despite this unexpected turn of events, Parliament went ahead with the vote and passed all three revenue bills by a narrow margin of 136-137 majority decision. The bills in question are the Income Tax Amendment Bill, Excise Duty Amendment Bill, and Growth and Sustainability Amendment Bill, which are expected to generate approximately GH¢4 billion per year to supplement domestic revenue.

Parliament passes 3 new revenue bills

Parliament on Friday, March 31, by a 137-136 majority decision passed the three revenue bills.

The bills are the Income Tax Amendment Bill, Excise Duty Amendment Bill, and Growth and Sustainability Amendment Bill.
 

Video: NPP will never hand over power to NDC - Bryan Acheampong

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong has stated that that the ruling New Patriotic Party, NPP, will never hand over power to the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) in 2025.

He said the party will ensure it remains in government at all cost.

Bryan Acheampong said this to multitude of NPP supporters at Mpreaso-Kwahu in the Eastern Region on Saturday April 8,2023 after a Walk dubbed “Walk to Build A Better Ghana” .The walk was graced by the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

He cautioned that the NPP will show the NDC that they have the “men” should they try to use threats and violence in the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Akufo-Addo swears in 5 ministers, deputy into office

President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday swore into office three ministers, two ministers of state and a deputy minister at the Jubilee House in Accra, saying that although they were joining the government 19 months to the end of its tenure, there was still enough time for them to make a difference and significant contributions.
 

NPP’s Ernest Anim wins Kumawu by-election

The New Patriotic Party(NPP) Parliamentary Candidate, Ernest Yaw Anim has been elected the new Member of Parliament for Kumawu in the by-election held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

He polled 15,264 votes against his closest contender the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) Akwasi Amankwah who garnered 3,723 votes.

The two independent candidates, Kwaku Duah with a bird as his symbol had 2,478 votes while the other Kwaku Duah with a hoe as his symbol had 62 votes.

The by-election was necessitated by the death of the sitting MP. Phillip Basoah, who was buried on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
 

NDC primaries: Parliamentary candidate sprays cash on delegates at Ejura Sekyedumase

One of the five contenders in the parliamentary primaries in the Ejura Sekyeredumase, Juliana Kinang-Wassan, drew crowds of delegates to her vehicle when she arrived at the voting center raining cash on delegates.

She turned up later in the day after the incumbent Muhammad Bawa Brimah and the other three contenders had already cast their ballots and taken their seats.

The notes that were seen flying in from her hands ranged from as little as five cedi notes to as much as a hundred cedi notes.

When asked by journalists if she knew sharing cash at the electoral centre to sway votes went against the electoral rules, Juliana indicated she decided to share the cash when she suddenly saw the huge bundle of money on top of her car.
 

NDC Primaries: Kwabena Duffuor withdraws from flagbearership race

A flagbearer aspirant of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Kwabena Duffuor has withdrawn from the party’s Presidential primaries slated for May 13, 2023.

According to the former Minister of Finance, he will not take part in an election which is blatantly fraught with irregularities, regardless of all his efforts to draw the attention to same.

Addressing the media in Accra on his move, the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana said his decision follows wide consultation with his support base nationwide.
 
 

Mahama beats Kojo Bonsu to become NDC flagbearer again

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) party has chosen former President John Mahama to lead the party for the 2024 general elections.

Mahama obtained a landslide victory in the poll by garnering 297,603 votes representing 98.9% of total valid votes cast, beating his only contender Kojo Bonsu, a former mayor of Kumasi, who also polled 3,181 votes representing 1.1%.
 

James Quayson’s election as MP for Assin North unconstitutional - Supreme Court rules

The Supreme Court has declared as unconstitutional the election of James Gyakye Quayson as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North in the Central Region.

In a unanimous decision Wednesday morning (May 17, 2023), a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court ordered Parliament to expunge the name of Mr Quayson as MP
 

I have no plans to form another party; NDC is my home - Duffuor

Former Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Kwabena Duffuor says he remains committed to the NDC.

This comes on the back of media reports that the aspiring flag bearer of the NDC in just-ended presidential primaries has plans to leave the party.

However, in a post-election statement, Dr. Duffuor stated that the NDC is his home and will always remain loyal to the party.
 

NDC primaries: Police arrest 8 suspects for various offences

The Police have arrested eight suspects throughout the country for various election-related offences and disturbing the peace during the Presidential and Parliamentary Primaries of the National Democratic Congress held on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

The suspects, Yaro Burdove, Harrison Martey, Imoro Ibrahim, Arkoli Mensah, Nyarko Richard, Prince Lomotey, Hamidu Dramani and Bejando Emmanuel, were arrested at their various voting centres across four constituencies in the country.
 

Brace yourselves for full consequences of IMF deal - Minority Leader to Ghanaians

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has warned Ghanaians to brace themselves for more hardships due to the conditionalities of the $3 billion IMF bailout.

According to the Minority Leader in Parliament, the minority has, on countless occasions, cautioned this government that the fruits of its crass mismanagement of Ghana’s economy through wanton misuse of borrowed funds for consumption purposes had long crystallised into a crisis",

He said their call for the government to immediately seek the Fund's support long ago, a call that was flatly disregarded.
 

Akufo-Addo swears in Torkonoo as 15th Chief Justice of Ghana

President Akufo-Addo has sworn into office Justice Gertrude Araba Essaba Sackey Torkornoo as the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana.

Justice Torkornoo is the third Chief Justice to be sworn in by Akufo-Addo since he assumed Office in January 2017 and the third female chief justice after Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo.

Justice Gertrude Torkornoo succeeds Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, who retired from the position on May 24.
 

I'll shake Ghana's foundation before 2024 elections with corruption exposé - Anas

Investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas says he will soon release an investigative piece on some politicians in Ghana.

In a televised interview with DW Africa, he said he has not released any piece on Ghana for a couple of months now because of the work that is going into the upcoming exposé.
 

NDC's Gyakye Quayson wins Assin North by-election

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate James Gyakye Quayson has been declared winner of the Assin North by-election.

This means the NDC candidate will be making a return to parliament after securing a landslide victory in the election.

Mr. Quayson polled 17,245 votes representing 57.56 percent of the total votes cast to beat Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).

Charles Opoku polled 12,630 votes representing 42.15 percent of the total votes cast in the hotly contested by-election while the LPG’s Bernice Enyonam Sefenu polled a paltry 87 votes (0.29%).
 

Sam Jonah ‘not interested’ in becoming Mahama’s running mate

Business mogul Sir Sam Jonah has said he is not interested in becoming John Mahama’s running mate for the 2024 elections.

In a statement to Metro TV’s ‘Good Evening Ghana’ he said, “Anyone who knows me well will attest to the fact that I have no interest whatsoever in going into the murky world of politics.”
 

Ayawaso Central MCE resigns

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ayawaso Central Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Mohammed Quaye, has tendered his resignation citing ill health.

In a letter addressed to President Akufo-Addo, he explained that his current health condition has significantly hampered his ability to fulfill his duties and responsibilities effectively, despite his best efforts.
 

Minority demands refund of $2m invested in botched Accra Sky Train project

The Minority in Parliament is demanding a refund of $2 million invested in the botched Accra Sky Train project.

At a presser on Monday, July 17, the Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza, said the $2 million to Africa Investor Holdings Limited, a firm in Mauritius, for the Accra Sky Train project, was made without parliamentary approval.

“Before the company even started feasibility studies, someone in government had decided to pay $2 million to this entity and somewhere this year, Joe Ghartey said he has never said the government was going to fund the sky train project, and I am not sure he was reading what he had written because what was the $2 million meant for? he quizzed.
 

Minority calls for Parliamentary enquiry into secret recording of purported plot to remove IGP

The Minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Parliament has called for a Parliamentary enquiry into a secret recording of purported plot to remove Dr George Akuffo Dampare, Inspector General of Police (IGP) from office ahead of the 2024 general election.

Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Deputy Minority Leader and NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembele, coming under Order 72, made the appeal to the Speaker of Parliament during an urgent statement on the issue.

“Mr Speaker, I bring this matter because the issue really bothers on democracy and critical institution of ours, the Ghana Police Service and the head of the Ghana Police Service.

“Mr Speaker, I raise them because this House must be interested in the authenticity or otherwise of those allegations that have been made on the leaked tape.”
 

Akufo-Addo appoints Freda Prempeh as Sanitation Minister

President Akufo-Addo has appointed the Minister of State at the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Tano North, Freda Prempeh, as the new Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.

She takes over from Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who announced her resignation from office on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

The resignation followed revelations that her house helps had allegedly stolen substantial amounts of both foreign and local currencies from her residence in Accra.

Akufo-Addo sacks Bosome Freho DCE

The District Chief Executive of Bosome Freho District Assembly in the Ashanti Region, Yaw Danso, has been sacked by President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo.

Yaw Danso was suspended in October 2022 for allegedly engaging in illegal mining.
 

I have no interest in being Mahama's running mate - Julius Debrah

Former Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah has dismissed speculation that he is in the running to become former President John Mahama’s running mate for the 2024 elections.

Julius Debrah in a statement said disassociated himself from speculation saying he’s not interested in such a position.

“I wish to dissociate myself from the sentiments expressed in the media by these groups and individuals. Although such groups and persons might be motivated by a genuine trust and belief in my personal capabilities, I wish to emphasise that I have expressed no such intention anywhere,” Julius Debrah clarified.
 

NDC gives 'reckless' BoG Governor Dr Addison 21-day ultimatum to resign

The Minority are calling for the immediate resignation of the Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr Ernest Addison.

According to a statement signed by Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the BoG governor and his deputies have 21 days to leave office.

Failure to so do would see them embark on popular action to occupy the Central Bank and drive out the team of inept, callous and criminal mismanagers of the finances of this country and Save the Bank of Ghana.
 

Alan Kyerematen officially withdraws from NPP flagbearership race

Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen has withdrawn from the NPP Presidential race slated for November 4.

The Former Trade Minister announced in a statement dated September 5, 2023.

“In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023. In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well-wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,” he added.
 

Video: Adwoa Safo apologises to NPP leadership over 'misconduct'

Sarah Adwoa Safo, Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya has issued an unqualified apology to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), specifically to President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare for her recent behavior.

In a video signted by PrimeNews, the lawmaker stated that she was going through a lot hence her absence from Parliament.

The former Deputy Majority Leader also sought forgiveness from the Majority Caucus, as well as from the party's regional and constituency executives.
 

Official: Alan Kyerematen to contest 2024 polls as independent candidate

Alan Kyerematen will contest Ghana’s 2024 presidential election as an independent candidate, Prime News can confirm.

In a press conference held in Accra on Monday, September 25, Alan Kyerematen revealed he's formed a movement, called "Movement for Change" with a Monarch Butterfly as the symbol.

No basis for #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration - NPP Youth Wing to protestors

The Youth Wing of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has downplayed the rationale behind the three-day protest organised by the pressure group, Democracy Hub.

According to the Youth Wing, there was no basis for #OccupyJulorbi House demonstrations.

In a statement, the Youth Organiser of the NPP, Salam Mustapha there was no salient points that people could take away from the protests.

“I tried so hard in the 3 days of the protest to take home the most salient reason and demand for the protest, but nothing concrete. Except for the usual rhetoric of fix the road, motorway, cost of living and other tangentials, which borders on politics.”
 

NDC condemns 'shameful' arrest of 'Occupy Julorbi House' protesters

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the arrest of 'Democracy Hub' protestors on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Accra.

According to the NDC, the action of the police is shameful and a violation of their fundamental rights.

“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has learned with great disappointment the brutality meted out on the Occupy Jubilee House protesters in the early hours of today. The NDC is saddened by such crude tactics being deployed by the Police at a time when the IGP is being applauded for making efforts toward transforming the Ghana Police Service into the best institution in the country.

“This shameful show of brute force runs counter to that. It’s regrettable the police would think that violence and suppression of human rights is the best way to address issues,” the NDC said in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey.
 

Former Majority Leader Felix Owusu-Adjapong passes on

A stalwart of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former Majority Leader, Felix Owusu-Adjapong died on October 4, 2023 aged 79.
 

#OccupyBoG demo: You've disrespected us, we'll be back - Minority to BoG Governor

The Minority Caucus in Parliament will in the coming days return to the Bank of Ghana to protest the resignation of Governor Ernest Addison and his deputies.

Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson said Tuesday's demonstration is just the beginning and a lot more will happen until the BoG Governer decides to receive their petition.

His comment comes after they were unable to present their petition to either the BoG Governor Dr. Ernest Addison or his two deputies.
 

Nii Lante Vanderpuye out of NDC Odododiodio parliamentary race

Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has bowed out of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Odododiodio parliamentary race.
 

NDC condemns 'shameful' attack on UTV by alleged NPP thugs

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned condemned alleged attacks on the studios of United Television (UTV) by some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

According to the signed and issued by its National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamnfi, it condemns this shameful act in no uncertain terms, as there can be no place for such uncivilized and beastly conduct in a democracy.

It alleged that the thugs were led by the Klottey Korle Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic, under the orders of Ernest Owusu Bempah, a Deputy Director of Communications and other leading figures of the ruling party.

AG’s advice on Frimpong Boateng’s galamsey report just a cover-up – NDC

The National Democratic Congress has urged Ghanaians to reject a recent legal opinion offered by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame, on the recent report on the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee against Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

At a press conference addressed by the National Communications Officer of the party, Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC alleged that the Attorney-General’s advice referring to portions of the report as lacking evidence, is nothing but a cover-up and an attempt to whitewash the damning report.

The opposition party, however, described the AG'a legal advice as “a poor attempt to cover-up”.

The NDC further accuses the Attorney-General of hiding behind so-called lack of evidence in a coordinated attempt to shield several government and New Patriotic Party officials from prosecution
 

NPP elects Bawumia as flagbearer to face Mahama, others in 2024

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the winner of Saturday's presidential primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Bawumia polled 118210 votes representing 61.47% to beat off competition from Kennedy Agyapong Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former Minister for Agriculture and former Mampong MP, Francis Addai-Nimoh.

His closest contender Mr Agyapong polled 71,996 votes representing 37.41%.

Dr. Afriyie Akoto who placed a distant third polled 1,459 votes representing 0.76% while Addai-Nimoh garnered a meagre 731 representing 0.41%.
 

Ghana already running 24-hour economy; your policy doesn't make sense - Bawumia to Mahama

Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has criticized John Dramani Mahama's proposal to implement a 24-hour economy when given a second chance to lead Ghana.

According to Bawumia, the NDC flagbearer for the 2024 election does not understand the 24-hour economy policy he was proposing.

He explained that the policy was already being implemented in Ghana as hospitals, fuel companies, Electricity Company of Ghana among others, operate a 24-hour system.

Bawumia, therefore, urged Ghanaians to ignore Me Mahama during the 2024 polls since he has nothing new to offer.
 

Buaben Asamoa, Hopeson Adorye, Ohene Ntow, and Saddique Boniface no longer members of our party – NPP

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has revoked the membership of four members following their decision to publicly endorse a presidential aspirant other than the party's elected flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

In a press release issued on Monday, the NPP said Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Nana Ohene Ntow, Hopeson Adorye, and Boniface Abubakar Saddique are longer members of the ruling party for supporting the Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen's Movement for Change as part of his independent presidential campaign.
 

Angry NDC supporters vandalise party head office over Micheal Yarboi's disqualification

Some aggrieved persons believed to be supporters of Michael Nii Yarboi have vandalised the head office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Accra.

This comes after the Functional Executive Committee (FEC) NDC in a statement on Wednesday disqualified Michael Nii Yarboi from contesting in the Parliamentary elections in the Odododiodioo Constituency.

The decision, according to the party was based on a report submitted by the Special Committee assigned to investigate the violence that occurred at Odododiodioo Constituency during the vetting of parliamentary aspirants held on October 13, 2023.

FEC also decided that the other two aspirants, Mr. Alfred Nii Kotei Ashie and Mr. Emmanuel Nii Okai Laryea whose supporters reportedly caused the damage to properties at the Center of the vetting will be surcharged jointly for all the cost of the damage at the centre.
 

All you need to know about Mahama's 24-hour economy - NDC

 

2024 elections: Mahama to name running mate 'next year'

John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will name his running mate 'next year' for the 2024 general elections.

Mahama said this on Wednesday, November 22 in the Ahafo Region as he wrapped up the first leg of his Building Ghana Tour.

 

NPP Primaries: Special Prosecutor declares 6 persons wanted for vote buying

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared 6 wanted on Corruption and Corruption-related offences.

In a statement on Sunday, the Special Prosecutor said 6 are wanted for Corruption and Corruption-related offences in respect of public elections - especially vote buying.

This comes a day after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) elected parliamentary candidates for the orphan constituencies as part of preparations for the 2024 general elections.
 

Resign if you’re tired - Justin Kodua to gov't appointees

Justin Frimpong Kodua, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged fatigued Ministers, CEOs, and MMDCEs to consider resigning rather than undermining the party's progress.

Addressing the issue of non-shuffled appointees who might be experiencing fatigue, Kodua stated, "If you are a Minister, a CEO, or an MMDCE and you have not been reshuffled and you think you are tired, resign, don't sabotage the party."

He also called on President Akufo-Addo to promptly conduct a reshuffle to introduce new faces into the government.

During his address at the party's annual Thanksgiving service at the party headquarters, Mr Kodua asserted that appointing new faces is crucial for propelling the NPP toward achieving its objectives.
 

18 NPP MPs bow out of Parliament

Some 18 Members of Parliament on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have declared their intention to retire from parliamentary work and thus did not contest in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

The reasons behind their decision remain unclear, with speculation ranging from potential retirements from politics to pursuing alternative professional opportunities or taking a break from the demanding nature of parliamentary life.

Internal dynamics within the NPP or personal considerations may also have influenced their decision-making process.

Among the noteworthy MPs leaving Parliament are Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (Suame), First Deputy Speaker, Joe Osei Owusu (Bekwai), Atta Akyea (Abuakwa South), Joe Ghartey (Essikado Ketan), and Ken Agyapong (Assin Central).